lawler

By Cody Grossman

Brandon “B” Lawler, point guard for Lorain County Community College’s Commodore basketball team the past two years, won’t be able to represent the college this upcoming season. The National Junior College Athletic Association, or NJCAA, only allows athletes two years of eligibility. LCCC is a member of the NJCAA.

When asked how he felt about not being able to play this season, he had this to say: “Team wise, I would want to play for four years; those guys are like my brothers. The atmosphere with that team was more like, a fraternity. But, me personally, I’m fine with two years, it’s nice learning the game, then being able to expand.”

 “Coach Marty and Coach K make everything easier, and they teach more than just basketball,” he continued. “They make you a better person as well. Playing these two years, overall, has made me a better person. I developed as a leader, and I was able to take other people’s talents into consideration.”

The NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) is a great way for college athletes that aren’t at a university to stay active, as well as make a name for them. The only issue seems to be that students only get two years to do so. Some may argue that it isn’t fair, that it should be four years. Lawler seems fine and accomplished with his two-year stint as a Commodore.

Along with Lawler, Nate Penman, former “Three Point Specialist” for the commodores, gave his input on the two-year rule for athletes at a junior college.“I like it, you have a chance to make an impact, chance to better yourself as a player, and a chance to transfer. Playing for Coach Marty definitely gets you ready for the next level.” When asked if he personally would’ve liked to play four years for LCCC, he had this to say. “I’m fine with it only being two years. I feel I’ve gotten better and ready to move forward.”

Both men are satisfied with their two years of play. Coach Marty Eggleston, head coach of the men’s basketball team, also commented on this rule. “LCCC is a two year school, so it’s applicable, lots of students do go for only two years, a third year would eliminate the purpose of going to another school. The athlete would only play for one year, and most universities wouldn’t take a player for only one year. This school is set up for two years, so the rule is very appropriate for this college. From an athletic standpoint, a four year program would be great for most, from an academic standpoint, however, it’s not so great.”

When asked about this topic from a coaching viewpoint, his argument, didn’t change much, “I would love to have certain players for another season or two, watching them develop, seeing them improve. It’s a bittersweet feeling. The purpose however, is to play for two seasons, then graduate and move on to another school.”

So while the rule doesn’t seem fair, these three gentlemen have showed that this rule is very fair and appropriate for this school.